Business Details
27 Years
experience
Preserving Port Sunlight's Heritage Legacy
Port Sunlight Village is a registered charity established in 1999 to preserve and promote the historic village of Port Sunlight. Founded by William Lever in 1888 as a model worker community, the village now boasts over 900 Grade II listed buildings across 130 acres of parkland. Our work focuses on maintaining the village's architectural heritage, operating Port Sunlight Museum, and fostering a vibrant community through educational programs and cultural events. We balance conservation with modern needs, ensuring the village remains a living, working space for residents and visitors.Our funding comes from property rentals, museum admissions, retail sales, and charitable donations, all reinvested into preservation efforts. The Trust manages key landmarks including the Boating Pond, War Memorial, and Lady Lever Art Gallery, while also offering guided tours and learning workshops. Our team collaborates with residents and partners to maintain Port Sunlight's status as a globally significant heritage site. With over 300,000 annual visitors, we strive to make the village an inspiring destination for future generations.
Services
Museum Tours
Walking Tours
Venue Hire
Educational Workshops
Property Rentals
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We are custodians of a UNESCO-listed heritage site with over 900 Grade II listed buildings
- Our expert team manages conservation projects across 130 acres of historic parkland
- We offer award-winning educational programs for schools and lifelong learners
- Our museum complex includes the Edwardian Workers Cottage and SoapWorks exhibits
- We maintain a delicate balance between heritage preservation and modern community needs
Associations and certifications
- Registered Charity No. 1074713
- Registered Company No. 3719976
Services
Museum Tours
Explore Port Sunlight's rich history through guided museum tours. Our expert guides lead visitors through the Edwardian Workers Cottage and SoapWorks exhibits, revealing stories of industrial innovation and social reform. Ideal for history enthusiasts and educational groups seeking immersive heritage experiences.
Walking Tours
Discover architectural treasures on our curated walking tours. Visitors experience over 130 acres of landscaped gardens and 900 Grade II listed buildings, learning about William Lever's visionary urban planning and the village's UNESCO World Heritage significance.
Venue Hire
Host events in historic settings with our venue hire options. Choose from community halls, village greens, or period buildings for weddings, conferences, or cultural events, combining modern functionality with Victorian architectural grandeur.
Educational Workshops
Engage students with hands-on heritage education. Our workshops use the village as a living classroom, covering topics from Victorian social history to architectural conservation, aligned with national curriculum standards for key stages 1-4.
Property Rentals
Reside in a piece of living history with our property rentals. We manage over 300 period properties, maintaining their historic character while ensuring modern comfort standards for residents in this unique conservation area.
People
Brian Pilkington
Marketing and Communications Manager
Overseeing heritage promotion and visitor engagement strategies, Brian connects Port Sunlight's history with modern audiences through innovative marketing campaigns and media relations.
Catherine Downey
Collections and Heritage Manager
Catherine curates the Trust's extensive historical archives and museum collections, ensuring proper preservation and interpretation of Port Sunlight's industrial and social heritage.
Mike Westcott
Fundraising Manager
Mike secures financial support for conservation projects through charitable donations, lottery programs, and corporate partnerships, ensuring sustainable funding for the Trust's preservation work.
Lis Robinson
Housing Officer
Managing residential property rentals and tenant relations, Lis maintains the balance between preserving historic housing stock and meeting modern living requirements for Port Sunlight residents.
Questions
What is Port Sunlight's historical significance?
Founded in 1888 by William Lever, Port Sunlight was a pioneering model village providing quality housing for soap factory workers, now containing over 900 Grade II listed buildings.
How can I visit Port Sunlight?
The village is open daily with free access to public areas. Museum tickets and guided tours can be booked through our website or visitor centre.
Are there educational programs available?
Yes, we offer curriculum-linked workshops for schools and lifelong learning programs focusing on heritage conservation and Victorian social history.
How is the Trust funded?
We receive income from property rentals, museum admissions, retail sales, and charitable donations, with major projects supported by grants and lottery funding.
Can I host events at Port Sunlight?
Yes, we offer venue hire options including historic buildings and outdoor spaces for weddings, conferences, and cultural events.
How can I support the Trust's work?
Support us through donations, playing our weekly lottery, volunteering, or becoming a corporate sponsor to help preserve this unique heritage site.
